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Prevention: Skin Cancer Awareness

Submitted by American Traveler on Thu, 06/05/2014 - 16:13

RNs have probably heard dermatologists refer to skin cancer as a lifestyle disease because it’s mostly preventable. For travel nurses who drive a lot, UV-protective window film added to the side and rear windows is a very effective way to protect your skin. But out of the car, you’ll want clothing with a “30 UPF label” and a minimum SPF 15+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB that’s water-resistant!

SUNSCREEN APPLICATION TIPS: Apply about an ounce of sunscreen 30 minutes before you head outside, reapplying every 2 hours, especially in the peak UV hours of 10am to 4pm, April to October—that’s the time frame for the United States. Travel nurses in states with high altitudes and reflective surfaces from snow and ice, need to be wary of sun damage year round.

Skin Care Tips for RNs and Therapists Who Love Their Sports:

For the Healthcare Professional Turned Golf Pro: An avid golfer and **dermatologist at the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying your sunscreen every 9 holes/or 2 hours. Sunglasses are also VERY important, as UV rays are more intense due to their reflection on ponds and sand traps—your ‘shades protect a great deal of your face and prevent SPF from melting into your eyes. A hat with a 3-inch brim is highly preferable to a baseball cap because it protects the back of the neck, tops of shoulders and ears. COPPERTONE SPORT comes highly recommended!

For Healthcare Professionals Setting Sail: Boating can be a big draw when the weather warms up. Extra UV exposure happens on a boat due to reflection off the water. Dermatologists recommend you look for sunblock like **VANICREAM, made to block or reflect UV rays rather than chemically absorb them. If you’re looking to spend a day at sea, choose a sunscreen with what dermatologists tout as 2 of the best ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

For Healthcare Professionals Hitting the Trail:Jogging trails and walking paths: This is definitely the place where dermatologists make their case for breathable fabrics, like **Nike’s DRiFIT technology; with heavy perspiration, sunscreen rubs off and loses its effectiveness, so it’s a good investment. Runners should know that up to 80 percent of the sun's UVs can penetrate clouds and fog, so SPF is still necessary even when it's overcast. If you treat your aches and pains with medications like Advil and Motrin, be aware that it increases your sensitivity to the sun!

Healthy Careers Joins The Skin Cancer Foundation in Wishing You a Safe Summer!

And that means staying out of tanning beds! A **recent study showed that there are more skin cancer cases due to indoor tanning than lung cancer cases due to smoking! Find this and other useful facts and tips—like how to safely fake a tan, rather than bake a tan, at the Skin Cancer Foundation. Here, they remind us that about 90 percent of skin cancers are associated with sun exposure: so get the facts, cover up, and head outdoors for the summer fun!